GB1017850A - Intermittently operable fluid jets - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus in which a multiplicity of spaced fluid jets can be initiated extremely rapidly when required, e.g. to remove a broken paper web from the return run of the wire of a paper making machine, comprises a fluid supply pipe connected to a multiplicity of nozzles each normally sealed by sealing means which are connected to a pressurized fluid-containing manifold, means being provided to release the pressure in the manifold rapidly when desired thereby unsealing the nozzles and causing fluid jets to be established. A pipe 12 carries a multiplicity of spaced nozzles 11 and is divided by an internal partition 14 into a pressure fluid supply passage 20 and a pressurized manifold 28. Pressure in the two parts of pipe 12 may be maintained independently or small holes 41 may be provided allowing fluid to leak from passage 20 into the manifold 28. The latter is connected to a solenoid-operated quick-acting valve adapted to release the pressure from the manifold 28 when desired, the release of pressure causing valve members 48, Fig. 2 (not shown), associated with each nozzle 11 to move to a nozzle-open position (shown dotted). In this position fluid from the passage 20 flows via holes 44 to orifices 56 and strikes jet deflector plates 58 thus establishing a series of spaced fluid jets. Photo-electric sensing means are employed to detect the breakage of the paper web in a paper making machine, Figs. 3 and 5 (not shown), and through a suitable electric relay control the opening of the solenoid-operated pressure release valve and thereby control the initiation of the jets of fluid. In a modified form of the spray nozzle, Fig. 6 (not shown), a flexible diaphragm is used to make a seal between the valve member of each nozzle and the walls of the tubular member in which the valve member is arranged to move.